Leana Dunn successfully completed the coursework for the LPC-accredited 400-hour GLR PVT School.
Early mornings and dedication earned her recognition as a top achiever at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law's PVT Awards Ceremony in January 2025.
About Leana
"I am currently employed as a candidate attorney in the field of commercial litigation at Theron, Jordaan & Smit Inc. in Klerksdorp."
Background
"I matriculated in 2006 from Klerksdorp Hoërskool with no intention of attending or enrolling at a university or college due to financial constraints. On 7 May 2007 I was given an opportunity to work as a collections typist at Theron, Jordaan & Smit with no experience whatsoever. During that same year, our director, André Van Aswegen took me under his wing and I was taught to do litigation and third-party claims, step by step. I fell pregnant that same year and my second child was born in 2012.
André had a life motto of “paying it forward” and encouraged me to enrol at Unisa to study LLB. He undertook to pay for my studies until the day I am admitted as an attorney on condition that I remain at the firm. Because of my scepticism of juggling full-time employment at a fast-paced law firm and being a wife and mother of two, I only commenced my studies in 2017.
After years of very early mornings, I obtained my LLB degree in 2023 and registered my articles at the same firm in 2024."
Motivation for enrolling at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"I did some research as to the different practical vocational training programmes and had to choose between L.E.A.D. and the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law. After scrutinising the websites, I chose Gawie Le Roux Institute of Law for the mere reason that the institute felt more inviting and accessible. It seems I have made the right choice.
The personnel and lecturers at Gawie le Roux were not only friendly and helpful, they really made an effort to assist each and every individual as if you were the most important person. Even the most ridiculous questions were answered with passion and sufficient clarity. They understood that people came from different backgrounds and not all had the same level of experience."
"The lecturers forced you out of your comfort zone to prepare you for the upcoming challenges."
On facing challenges
"The biggest challenge I faced during the PVT programme was a lack of time. The Gawie le Roux Institute of Law, however, made provision for recordings to be made available. I was able to watch the recordings at 03:00 in the mornings and attend to my assignments over the weekend. Another challenge I faced was the anxiety of taking part in a physical trial. Again, Gawie le Roux made provision for us being able to take part virtually. The lecturers made this very challenging assignment fun. Even though some of us never attended a trial before, we were put at ease and had a lot of laughs along the way."
Leana's tips for PVT students
"With the PVT programmes, you must participate and put in the work. Actively listen to the lecturers and make notes. Ask clarifying questions and do the assignments. Time management is of the utmost importance, especially if you have other personal and professional responsibilities. You will not be able to successfully complete the programme without putting in effort. Go in with the mindset that if you are successful, you will never have to do it again."
Paying it forward
"I look up to my director, André Van Aswegen. He too came from humble beginnings. He was given an opportunity by another attorney to study and became a very successful practising attorney, director and Commissioner of the Small Claims Court. He has excellent problem-solving and leadership skills.
André believes no client is more important than the other and gives the same attention to each and every matter. He often advises us to put ourselves in the shoes of our clients, thereby teaching us compassion and diligence."
Learn more about practical vocational training, also known as practical legal training or law school, here.